1601-1800 Flashcards
1
Q
get your ducks in a row
A
If youget your ducks in a row,you get things well organised.
2
Q
think again
A
If you tell someone tothink again, you advise them to reconsider the situation and perhaps change their decision.
3
Q
keep nose to the grindstone
A
A person whokeeps their nose to the grindstoneis someone who concentrates on working or studying hard.
4
Q
in the twinkling of an eye
A
This expression means ‘very fast’ or ‘instantaneously’.
5
Q
make mouth water
A
Food canmake your mouth waterwhen it looks and smells extremely good.
6
Q
swallow your words
A
If youswallow your words,you admit that you were wrong.
7
Q
murder something
A
If you say that you couldmurder something,such as food or drink, you mean that you want it very much.
8
Q
all downhill/ downhill all the way
A
If something isall downhillordownhill all the way, it is very easy to achieve considering the difficulties encountered beforehand.
9
Q
pass the buck
A
If you say that someone ispassing the buck,you are accusing them of not taking responsibility for a problem and expecting someone else to handle it.
10
Q
copper-bottomed
A
To describe something such as a plan, a contract or a financial arrangement ascopper-bottomedmeans that it is completely safe or reliable.
11
Q
icing on the cake
A
If something is referred to asicing on the cake, it is an extra benefit that makes a good situation even better.
12
Q
muddy the waters
A
If youmuddy the waters, you make something less clear by giving confusing information.
13
Q
second a motion
A
During a meeting, if yousecond a motion,you formally agree with a proposal.
14
Q
set the stage
A
If youset the stage for an event or a development, you create conditions that allow it to happen.
15
Q
shut the stable door when the horse has bolted
A
If youshut the stable door after the horse has bolted, you try to prevent something bad from happening when it is already too late.
16
Q
get off the hook
A
If you do something wrong and manage toget off the hook,you avoid punishment or blame.
17
Q
scrape the bottom of the barrel
A
If youscrape the bottom of the barrel,you use the worst or the least satisfactory ideas, things or people because you have no choice.
18
Q
stand on own two feet
A
If youstand on your own two feet,you are independent and need no help from anyone.
19
Q
chance one’s arm
A
If youchance yourarm, you decide to do something even though there is little hope of success.
20
Q
ace a test
A
If you obtain a very high score or an excellent result, youace a test or exam.
21
Q
full of beans
A
A person who isfull of beansis lively, active and healthy.
22
Q
in the doghouse
A
If you arein the doghouse, someone is angry with you because you have done something wrong.
23
Q
out of touch
A
Ifyou areout of touch, you no longer communicate with someone, or you are unaware of recent developments.
24
Q
beard the lion in his den
A
If you visit someone important in the place where they work, in order to challenge him/her or obtain something,you beard the lion in his den.
25
down payment
When someone makes a down payment, they pay part of the total amount agreed when signing a purchase deal or contract.
26
speak same language
If two or more people speak the same language, they have similar opinions or ideas, so they understand each other very well.
27
all skin and bone
If someone is all skin and bone, they are very thin or too thin.
28
done deal
This expression is used to refer to an agreement or decision which has been reached on a certain matter.
29
take it upon yourself
If you take something upon yourself, you do it without asking for permission or agreement.
30
go spare
If you go spare, you lost your temper completely.
31
voice in the wilderness
If you are the only person to express a warning or an opinion on a matter which is ignored by most others, you are a voice in the wilderness.
32
follow one's nose
If you follow your nose, you go straight ahead.
33
go to rack and ruin
If something goes to rack and ruin, it falls into very bad condition because of lack of care.
34
chip on the shoulder
If someone has a chip on their shoulder, the feel resentful because they feel they are being treated unfairly, especially because of their background, their sex or their colour.
35
bury the hatchet
When people who have had a disagreement decide to forget their quarrel and become friends again, they bury the hatchet.
36
bulldoze somebody into doing something
A person who is bulldozed into doing something is forced to do it, especially by being bullied or intimidated.
37
none the wiser
If you do not know more about something after obtaining an explanation, or if you fail to find information on the subject, you arenone the wiser.
38
no strings attached
An offer 'with no strings attached' is an offer made without conditions or restrictions, and requires nothing in return.
39
by the skin of your teeth
To do something by the skin of our teeth means that you just manage to do it, but that you almost fail.
40
batten down the hatches
When you batten down the hatches, you prepare yourself for trouble or a forthcoming difficult period, like a ship preparing for a storm.
41
keep a civil tongue
People who keep a civil tongue express themselves in polite terms.
42
lo and behold!
This term is used to express surprise, especially at a sudden or unexpected appearance.
43
force of habit
When something is done out of force of habit, it has become automatic through frequent repetition.
44
tower of strength
The term tower of strength is used to describe a person who is very helpful and supportive during difficult times.
45
play your cards right
If you play your cards right, you do all that is necessary in order to succeed or to obtain what you want.
46
can of worms
To describe a situation as a can of worms means that it is complicated, unpleasant and difficult to deal with.
47
quaking in one's boots
When someone is extremely scared, it is said that they are quaking in their boots.
48
go postal
If someone goes postal, they lose their temper and express their anger in a violent way.
49
since time immemorial
If something has existed since time immemorial, it has been there for such a long time that nobody can recall a time without it.
50
wheeling and dealing
Someone accused of wheeling and dealing is thought to be involved in complicated, if not dishonest, deals in business or politics.
51
in hot water
To say that somebody is in hot water means that they have done something wrong and people are angry with them.
52
every Tom, Dick and Harry
This expression means everyone or everybody.
53
drop in the ocean
A drop in the ocean is a very small quantity compared to the amount needed or expected.
54
give up the ghost
If someone or something gives up the ghost, they die or stop working.
55
get off the hook
If you do something wrong and manage to get off the hook, you avoid punishment or blame.
56
(don't) judge by appearances
This expression means that you should not form an opinion based on outward appearances only.
57
see light at end of tunnel
If you see light at the end of the tunnel, you see signs of hope for the future after a long period of difficulty.
58
cold calls
If you make cold calls, you telephone potential customers from a list of people you do not know.
59
nuts and bolts
The nuts and bolts of something are the detailed facts and the practical aspects.
60
never in a million years
This expression means 'absolutely never' or 'at no time in my life'.
61
lame excuse
A lame excuse is an explanation which is weak and unconvincing.
62
make exhibition of
When someone behaves in such a foolish way in public that they look ridiculous, they make an exhibition of themselves.
63
work fingers to bone
A person who works their fingers to the bone is extremely hardworking.
64
get a second bite at the cherry
This expression means that you get a second opportunity to do or try something.
65
make a pig's ear of
If you make a pig's ear of something, you do a task or a chore very badly or make a complete mess of it.
66
window shopping
When people go window shopping, they look at things in shop windows, without actually purchasing anything.
67
do a good turn
If you do someone a good turn, you act in a helpful way.
68
heart in one's mouth
A person who has their heart in their mouth feels extremely anxious or nervous faced with a dangerous or unpleasant situation.
69
needle in haystack
To refer to something as a needle in a haystack means that it is very difficult or impossible to find.
70
not for all the tea in China
To say that you would not do something for all the tea in China means that you would not do it under any conditions.
71
on tenterhooks
A person who is on tenterhooks is in a state of anxious suspense or excitement.
72
come to grips
If you come to grips with a problem or situation, you start to understand or deal with it properly.
73
corner the market
If a company dominates an area of business, and leaves no room for competition, it is said to have cornered the market.
74
browned off
If you are browned off, you are bored, fed up or disheartened.
75
egg someone on
If you egg someone on, you urge or strongly encourage them to do something.
76
above board
If a situation or business is described as above board, it is open, honest and legal.
77
a roaring trade
If you do a roaring trade, your business is very successful.
78
a plum in your mouth
Someone who speaks with an upper-class accent is said to have a plum in their mouth.
79
music to your ears
To say that something is music to your ears means that the information you receive makes you feel very happy.
80
on the blink
If a machine is on the blink, it is not working properly and needs servicing or repair.
81
bet on the wrong horse
If you back or bet on the wrong horse, for example the loser in a contest, match or election, you support the wrong person.
82
go to pieces
If you go to pieces, for example after a terrible shock, you are so upset or distressed that you cannot lead a normal life.
83
waiting in the wings
If someone is waiting in the wings, they are waiting for an opportunity to take action, especially to replace someone else in their job or position.
84
kick the bucket
To kick the bucket is a lighthearted way of talking about death.
85
bill of health
If a person has a clean bill of health, they have a report or certificate declaring that their health is satisfactory.
86
widow's peak
A V-shaped point formed by the hair in the centre of the forehead is called a widow's peak.
87
less is more
This expression, used particularly in architecture and design, conveys the idea that things that are simple in style and smaller in size are better.
88
put foot in one's mouth
If you put your foot in your mouth, you say something that offends, upsets or embarrasses someone.
89
Achilles heel
This expression refers to a vulnerable area or a weak spot, in an otherwise strong situation, that could cause one's downfall or failure.
90
play it by ear
This expression means to improvise or do something without preparation, according to the demands of the situation.
91
part and parcel
Something that is part and parcel of an activity or role is a key component or an essential element that cannot be avoided.
92
sharp as a tack
A person who is as sharp as a tack is able to think quickly and learn very fast.
93
go into overdrive
If someone or something goes into overdrive, they begin to work very hard or start to perform intensely.
94
square peg in round hole
To say that a person is a square peg in a round hole means that they are not suitable for the job they are doing or the situation they are in.
95
make blood run cold
If something makes your blood run cold, it shocks or scares you a lot.
96
break your back
If you work extremely hard, or put a lot of effort into achieving something, you break your back to do it.
97
heart in right place
A person who has their heart in the right place has kind feelings and good intentions, even if the results are not too good.
98
tighten your belt
If you need to tighten your belt, you must spend less money or be careful how you spend it because there is less available.
99
next best thing
If you can't have exactly what you want, the next best thing is the best alternative possible.
100
in the same boat
If two or more parties are in the same boat, they are in the same unpleasant or difficult situation.
101
rocket science
If you say 'it's not rocket science' or 'no need to be a rocket scientist', you are emphasizing that something presents no major difficulty.
102
at someone's beck and call
If a person is at someone's beck and call, they are always ready to do things for them or obey orders to please them.
103
take the rough with the smooth
If you take the rough with the smooth, you accept what is unpleasant or difficult as well as what is pleasant or easy.
104
keep fingers crossed
If you keep your fingers crossed, you hope that something will be successful.
105
thank one's lucky stars
When someone says they can thank their lucky stars, they are expressing heartfelt gratitude or feeling particularly fortunate.
106
all in your head
If something is all in your head, it is not real.
107
one fell swoop
If something is accomplished at (or in) one fell swoop, it is done in a single action, usually rapidly and ruthlessly.
108
cake/game is not worth the candle
To say that the cake (or the game) is not worth the candle means that the advantages to be gained from doing something are not worth the effort involved.
109
bored to tears (distraction/death/silly)
If you find something so dull and uninteresting that it makes you sad enough to cry, you are bored to tears.
110
cut loose
If someone cuts loose or is cut loose, they stop being influenced or controlled by another person or group.
111
know which waywind blows
This expression means that it is advisable to know how a situation is developing, or what the tendency is, in order to be prepared for any changes.
112
by the same token
If you apply the same rule to different situations, you judge them by the same token, or in a similar way.
113
burn your bridges
If you burn your bridges, you do something that will be impossible to rectify in the future.
114
lend an ear
If you lend an ear to someone, you listen carefully and sympathetically.
115
shop around
If you shop around, you visit a number of shops selling similar articles in order to compare the prices.
116
seal of approval
If a project or contract receives a seal of approval, it receives formal support or approval from higher authorities.
117
guilty pleasure
Enjoying something which is not generally held in high regard, while at the same time feeling a bit guilty about it, is called a guilty pleasure.
118
left to one's own devices
If you leave someone to their own devices, you let them look after themselves, without help or supervision.
119
beyond recall
Something which is beyond recall is impossible to retrieve, cancel or reverse.
120
punch line
The punch line is the funny sentence that ends a joke or an amusing story.
121
hard to swallow
When something is difficult to accept or believe, it is hard to swallow.
122
text-walking
This term refers to a recently-developed and somewhat dangerous habit of walking while texting a message on a mobile phone, completely unaware of what is happening around you.
123
play footsie
If you play footsie with someone, you touch their feet lightly, especially under the table, to show your interest.
124
sledgehammer to crack a nut
Using a sledgehammer to crack a nut means using disproportionate force to solve a problem.
125
can't for the life of me
This expression can be used to say that it is impossible for you to do something, no matter how hard you try.
126
fender-bender
This expression refers to a minor car accident in which there is little damage and no injuries.
127
pad the bill
If someone pads the bill, they add false items to a bill or invoice in order to increase the total amount.
128
mind of your own
If you have a mind of your own, you are capable of forming an opinion and making decisions without being influenced by others.
129
get someone by the short hairs
If you get (or have) someone by the short hairs, you put them in a difficult situation from which they cannot escape, so you have complete control over them.
130
cut a long story short
When talking about something, if you say 'to cut a long story short', you indicate that you are going to say what is essential rather than go into the details.
131
go to the dogs
To say that a company, organisation or country is going to the dogsmeans that it is becoming less successful or efficient then before.
132
vertically challenged
This term is a humoristic way of referring to someone who is not very tall.
133
more fun than a barrel of monkeys
If something is very amusing or enjoyable, you can say that it is more fun than a barrel of monkeys.
134
white Christmas
A white Christmas is when it snows at Christmas and the ground is white.
135
(not) playing with a full deck (of cards)
Someone who is not playing with a full deck (of cards) lacks intelligence or does not have full mental abilities.
136
take for a ride
To take someone for a ride means to cheat or deceive them.
137
not all there
Someone who is not all there behaves strangely at times, or seems a bit odd.
138
stick to your last
If you tell someone to stick to their last, you are asking them to restrict their intervention or comments to an area where they have knowledge and experience, and to keep away from areas where they know nothing.
139
hue and cry
If there is a hue and cry about something, there is loud opposition to it.
140
short and sweet
Something that is short and sweet is brief but pleasant.
141
tricks of the trade
This term refers to a clever or expert way of doing things, especially in a job.
142
free-for-all
This term refers to an uncontrolled situation such as a discussion, argument or fight where everyone present can do or say whatever they like.
143
pull the other one (it's got bells on)
After hearing an unlikely story, this is a way of telling the speaker that you neither believe what they say nor whatever they may say next.
144
tit for tat
This expression refers to an injury or insult given in return for one received.
145
black tie event
This expression refers to a formal event at which men are required to wear a dinner jacket, or tuxedo, and a black bow tie.
146
sweep under the rug
If you sweep something under the rug (or carpet), you try to hide it because it is embarrassing.
147
take the mickey out of
If you take the mickey out of someone, you tease them or make fun of their behaviour, sometimes in an unkind way.
148
caught unawares
If someone is caught unawares, they are surprised and unprepared for what happens.
149
bear in mind
If a person asks you to bear something in mind, they are asking you to remember it because it is important.
150
break fresh ground
If you break fresh ground, you innovate by introducing or developing a new method or system.
151
ahead of the pack
If a person or organisation is ahead of the pack, they are better or more successful than their rivals.
152
eat dirt
If you eat dirt, you are forced to accept another person's bad treatment or insulting remarks.
153
back on your feet
If you are back on your feet, after an illness or an accident, you are physically healthy again.
154
ill-gotten gains
Money, profit or benefits that are made in a dishonest or illegal manner are called ill-gotten gains.
155
irons in the fire
If you have a few, or many, irons in the fire, you are involved in several projects at the same time.
156
keep your nose clean
A person who keeps their nose clean behaves well and avoids trouble.
157
spill the beans
If you spill the beans, you reveal a secret or talk about something private.
158
cut it out
If you say 'cut it out' to someone, you are telling them to stop doing something.
159
that makes two of us!
This expression indicates agreement with what has just been said.
160
bar fly
A bar fly is someone who spends a lot of time drinking in bars and pubs.
161
weigh pros and cons
If you weigh the pros and cons, you consider the advantages and disadvantages, the arguments for or against something.
162
above and beyond the call of duty
If a person does something which is above and beyond the call of duty, they show a greater degree of courage or effort than is usually required or expected in their job.
163
turn on/up heat
If you turn on/up the heat on a person or organisation, you put pressure on them in order to obtain what you want.
164
give it a rest
If someone tells you to give it a rest, they are asking you to stop doing something such as complaining or talking continuously.
165
get it down to a fine art
When you learn to do something perfectly, you get it down to a fine art.
166
on tap
If something is on tap, it is easily obtained or available for immediate use, like water from a tap.
167
exception proves the rule
If something is different from a general belief or theory, it shows that the belief or theory is true.
168
walk all over someone
If one person walks all over another, they treat them very badly or unkindly, especially by showing no consideration for their cares or needs.
169
without a hitch
If something happens without a hitch, it takes place exactly as planned, without any difficulties.
170
laugh up one's sleeve
If you laugh up your sleeve, you are secretly amused at another person's problems or difficulties.
171
push the envelope
When you push the envelope, you do something in an extreme way or exceed the limits of what is considered acceptable.
172
jump on bandwagon
If a person or organisation jumps on the bandwagon, they decide to do something when it is already successful or fashionable.
173
find/meet yourmatch
If you find or meet your match, you encounter someone who is equal to you in skills or abilities.
174
dull at ditchwater dull as dishwater
Something as dull as ditchwater is very boring.
175
soft option
If you choose the easiest course of action available, which is usually not very effective, you take a soft option.
176
smokescreen
A smokescreen is an action or tactic intended to conceal or divert attention from your real intentions or activities.
177
see in a new light
If you see something in a new light, you view it in a way that makes you change the opinion you had before.
178
in two minds
If you are in two minds about something, you have difficulty deciding what to do.
179
out of this world
To refer to something as out of this world means that you think it is extremely good or impressive.
180
hands full
If you have your hands full, you are very busy or have a lot to do.
181
take steps
If you take steps, you start a course of action in order to accomplish something.
182
thorn in your side
If you say that someone is a thorn in your side, you mean that they continually irritate or annoy you.
183
arm of the law
This expression refers to the extent to which the authority or power of the law extends.
184
let off steam
A person who lets off steam releases surplus energy or strong feelings either through intense physical activity or by talking in an unrestrained manner.
185
stark raving mad
To say that someone is stark raving mad means that they are completely crazy.
186
haul over the coals
If you haul someone over the coals, you reprimand them harshly because they have done something wrong or incorrectly.
187
off your rocker
If you tell someone that they are off their rocker, you think they are completely crazy.
188
come apart at the seams
To say that someone is coming apart at the seams means that they are extremely upset or under severe mental stress.
189
play second fiddle
If you play second fiddle to another person, you accept to be second in importance to that person, or have a lower position.
190
dream ticket
If you refer to two people as a dream ticket, you think they would work well together and be successful.
191
all hands on deck
When there is a need for all hands on deck, everyone must help, especially when there is a lot of work to be done in a short amount of time.
192
hold your tongue
If you hold your tongue, you stay silent and say nothing.
193
splash out on
If you splash out on something, you spend a lot of money on it.
194
shrug something off
If your shrug something off, you dismiss it as being unimportant.
195
raise/lower one's sights
If you raise/lower your sights, your raise or lower your expectations, or you are more or less ambitious.
196
give a dog a bad name
People who lose their reputation have difficulty regaining it because others continue to blame or suspect them.
197
get a load of
This slang expression means to pay attention or take notice of something.
198
moonlight flit
Someone who does a moonlight flit leaves a place quickly and in secret, usually to avoid paying debts.
199
go downhill
When something goes downhill, it deteriorates or gets worse little by little.
200
any port in a storm
When you have no choice, any port in a storm refers to a solution you accept, which in normal circumstances you would find unacceptable.
